Family appeal for answers regarding grandfather’s death
The family of a grandfather-of-three who died of asbestos-related disease have launched an appeal for his old workmates to come forward with information about how he may have developed the illness.
Terence Harvey – known by family and friends as Terry – died aged 77, just a month after tests confirmed that he had developed mesothelioma. A cancer of the lining of the lung, the illness is commonly associated with exposure to asbestos materials.
Shortly before he died, Terry, who grew up in Hill Ridware, near Rugeley, instructed specialist lawyers to investigate his illness and help him determine how it emerged.
His loved ones, including son, Nolan, 46, and daughter, Justine, 43, are now continuing his search for answers.
They have now joined with the legal experts to appeal for anyone who worked at Bison Concrete (Midlands) Ltd in Lichfield or at GEC Power Engineering in Stafford to come forward.
Iain Shoolbred, the specialist lawyer at Irwin Mitchell who is representing the family, said: “Terry was a much-loved dad and granddad and Nolan, Justine and the rest of the family remain devastated by their loss. We would be hugely grateful if anyone could come forward and help us in our efforts.” Terry left Rugeley Secondary Modern school aged 15. He worked at a timber yard before joining Bison Concrete (Midlands) Ltd in 1957 where he was employed for 10 years. He spent this time primarily assisting his father, William ‘Bill’ Harvey, who was a crane driver.
Terry worked as a crane driver for GEC Power Engineering Ltd at the company’s factory in Stafford from 1967 to 1974.
He then returned to work for Bison Concrete (Midlands) in 1974 and stayed there until 1985.
Terry lived for many years in the Burntwood area before moving to Cannock in 1991 and subsequently Hednesford.
Nolan said: "The entire family was devastated when we lost Dad and we all miss him so much.
“What makes it even harder to come to terms with is how quickly his condition deteriorated. It was awful to see how quickly mesothelioma affected him and we feel because of this we didn’t get the chance to say goodbye to him properly.
“We know that nothing can ever bring him back but we are now determined to ensure we get the answers he wanted regarding this awful disease.
“We would be hugely grateful to anyone who might be able to provide some information as it could really make a big difference.”
Anyone with information which may assist this case is asked to contact Iain Shoolbred at Irwin Mitchell’s Birmingham office on 0121 214 5446 or email iain.shoolbred@irwinmitchell.com
